News

Jan. 3, 2013

NBBJ to Design New Lab for Pirbright Institute

PIRBRIGHT, UK – The Pirbright Institute and the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) have appointed NBBJ architects to design a new world class laboratory for The Pirbright Institute in Surrey.

The Pirbright Institute is a world-leading center of excellence in research and surveillance of animal viral diseases and of viruses that spread from animals to humans. Scientists work alongside companies to develop new vaccines and diagnostics to combat animal diseases, improving the health of animals worldwide.

The 4,000-square-meter gateway building is part of a £100 million investment by the UK government via BBSRC to fund a second phase of development at the Pirbright campus. It will target a BREEAM rating of Excellent. Ninety scientists will be brought together in this new building from different sites in a strategic co-location to encourage scientific interaction and collaboration across research programs.

Rebecca Mortimore, NBBJ lead architect, said: “The design must be sensitive to the rural location and will be key to supporting the scientific community on campus. We need to accommodate the stringent technical requirements of the scientists and build in flexibility to allow for change as research program evolve.”

The Pirbright Institute said: “NBBJ has extensive experience of designing complex technical buildings that combine design flair with cutting edge workplace innovation, providing places where interdisciplinary and collaborative work is supported and where science can flourish.”

Subject to planning approval, start on site is expected towards the end of 2013 with completion at the end of 2014.